As dedicated as always Memorial Jr. HS looks forward after 50 years

      The rededication ceremony, held in the school's library after school, got under way with a junior-high chorus performance of "Cheers," the school's alma mater, sung to the melody of Elvis' "Love Me Tender" or "Aura Lee." The junior high chorus was led by Michelle Healy.
      After the Pledge of Allegiance and "The Star-Spangled Banner," Dr. Kathleen Cairo, Memorial's principal, offered a welcoming address. In it she noted that the Valley Stream Bicycle Shop is also celebrating 50 years, as is Disney's Peter Pan.
      "However, the most important event to all of us present here today is the dedication of Memorial Junior High School," Cairo said. "It was opened with a promise and a commitment to academic excellence ... Through the years it has upheld its promise, and the people of Valley Stream have benefited from the hard work of dedicated professionals who began the fulfillment of the dream to keep it alive 50 years later."
      Just as Board of Education President William R. Collins did in 1953, Dr. Marc F. Bernstein, interim superintendent of schools, addressed the audience during the rededication. He spoke of the school's obligation to its youth. According to Bernstein, the obligation is multi-faceted and includes reminding students of the past as they prepare for the future and making sure they enjoy school in a highly academic and safe environment. Students should have access to the best age-appropriate opportunities, because they pass through each grade level only once.
      Teachers, including Stephanie Ginsberg, Maria Studer and Cynthia Retarides, shared their memories of the school through the years. Teresa Zultowski, a Memorial alumna who began teaching at the school five years ago, also spoke.
      The ceremony closed with the introduction of a new school song, "Memorial." The song is an original composition by Healy and Kelly Martin and was sung by the junior-high chorus. Alumni were also asked to unveil a plaque made for the anniversary.
      A reception followed. Ginsberg and Joan Mahoney, library director, headed the rededication committee.